Pages 130-143

Tourists at the Dead Dog Cafe

The first reference in this section of the novel is in the tourists names. Nelson, Jeannette, Rosemarie de Flor and Bruce are all figures that have been “active in the stereotyping of Canadian Indians and Canadian life in the North or West.” (Flick, 151) They also represent actors who played roles in Rose Marie, a film from the 1930’s that takes place in Canada and follows the love story of a woman and a mountie. They also quote a song from the movie on page 133, the “Indian Love Call.”

It is fitting that these figures known for stereotyping appear in a cafe that is based off of stereotypes. The Dead Dog Cafe is based on the stereotype that Blackfoot people ate dog, it also plays into the “tourists’ desire for the exotic” (Flick, 149) making it a comedic symbol of ignorance. The entire encounter with Latisha and the tourists shows the lack f knowledge on the part of the tourists. Nelson could not believe that they were eating dog meat- although it is confirmed that it is beef to the reader- his gullible-ness  speaks for itself. His name drop of Tecumseh as well when talking about his old dog shows his lack of knowledge and his search for a common ground to discuss with Latisha. Despite Tecumseh being Shawnee, not Blackfoot, this comment reinforces the idea that all First Nations people are the same.

George Morningstar

George Morningstar alludes to George Custer, an American cavalry commander that fought at the battle of Little Bighorn. The reference comes both from his name (George, plus Custer was known as “Son of the Morning Stars” (Flick, 146) and his description on page 131-2. On page 131-2, Latisha says she “even liked his name. It sounded slightly Indian, though George was American.” This comment struck me because it alludes to George being something other than what he appears. On this note, when we look at Latisha’s first impression of George, she says he looked like “the most intelligent man in the universe” (King, 132) which we know by reading the rest of the story that that was not the case. We also see this characteristic reappear when we contrast George giving Latisha his copy of The Prophet, “a collection of inspirational thoughts, widely regarded as soft hokum, phony philosphy.” (Flick, 152) and his letters and poems that he sends her after he leaves. Both appear fruitful and deep on the surface, similar to her first impression of him, but upon further reading are filled with meaningless nonsense.

Eli in his cabin

Mr. Sifton is the first reference worth mentioning in this section. Based off Sir Clifford Sifton, an “Aggressive promoter of settlement in the West through the Prairie West movement, and a champion of the settlers who displaced the Native population.” (Flick, 150) The Mr. Sifton in the novel is in charge of building a dam that both promotes western settlement and ways of living and displaces First Nations populations. Sifton also refers to the “Big project in Quebec” (King, 136) which refers to the James Bay Project, a hydro-electric power development that was contested by the Cree in the area due to lack of consultation.

Sifton also mentions the treaties saying “those treaties aren’y worth a damn, Government only made them for convenience.” (King, 141) This reflects Sifton’s views on settlement and how he views relationships with the First Nations. When we look at this comment and put it next to the James Bay Project, we can see the type of character King is drawing of Mr. Sifton.

Works Cited

Flick, Jane. “Reading Notes for Thomas King’s Green Grass Running Water.” Canadian Literature 161-162. (1999). Web. April 04/2013.

“George Custer Biography.” Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 27 July 2016.

King, Thomas. Green Grass Running Water. Toronto: Harper Collins, 1993. Print.

Muma, Walter. “”Hydro-Quebec Project.” Hydro-Quebec Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2016.

“Sir Clifford Sifton.” The Canadian Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 July 2016.